Tomáš Svoboda

As a music major at Portland State in the early 70s I was having a hard time with music theory, until he became the theory professor. My understanding and grades elevated overnight. I didn´t use my education professionally, but became an apprentice to a master piano technician for two years and went on to be the head technician and minor partner at Moe´s Pianos. I didn´t see Thomas again until after I became the chief concert technician for the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Oregon Symphony in 1985. There I would run into Thomas backstage time and again over the years. Although he didn´t know me well, he always treated me as a friend with his wonderful smile and quick laugh, which was always a great honor for me. He was a brilliant man but it was his humility, his warm spirit and kindness that I admired most. I am proud to have been blessed with those few moments I spent in his presence.

I still remember the buzz in the Portland music scene when Tomas Svoboda played his first piano concert after his arrival. The excitement didn't stop there, and we at Portland State University were proud to be his colleague and friend, celebrating as he became the most performed Oregon composer, beloved teacher, and multi-talented performer.

I didn't know Mr. Svoboda well, meeting him only a couple of times at parties, but I have a clear memory of him attending a party we threw with a beer garden theme. We had various foods and grilled sausages, and various condiments. I was a bit worried about Svoboda, because being from central Europe I knew he knew beer gardens.

My worries disappeared as he came through the serving line, and reaching the condiments, turned to his wife and exclaimed: "Look! Three kinds of mustard!"

He always was interesting, and kind, and while his music could be complex and difficult, it also always had meaning and humanity in it.

Professor Svoboda was my music education professor at Portland State in the late 1980's. One Christmas holiday I had to leave town early to visit my relatives which meant I would miss playing in the PSU Concert Band concert. Professor Svoboda was kind enough to fill in for me on snare drum in the concert band. I've never forgotten that.

Tom was a huge influence on me, through his teaching, his energy, his enthusiasm. I will carry him with me forever. My condolences to Jana and the family.

Farewell to this talented and accomplished PSU professor. As a librarian at PSU I was always aware of this remarkable musician. He was widely respected. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

My condolences to the family. I remember him as the organist at the Methodist Church in Maywood, California where my family and I attended.
I was only 11, but I really enjoyed church and listening to him play the few years he was there. The church seemed to wake up whenever he played. We moved up to Hillsboro, OR in 1973.